Unusual Places to Visit in New Zealand

Written by: Katie Tobias

The Bra Fence

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There is no doubt that New Zealand is one of the most unique countries to travel in the world. You could find yourself relaxing on a black sandy beach one day, and exploring a mountainous volcanic crater the next. Its diverse landscape makes for a traveller's dream, allowing one to stumble upon some of the most unusual, strange and just plain weird places that are like nowhere else on earth. Here are 15 unusual places in New Zealand you never thought existed...

1. Tongariro Crossing

This World Heritage Listed site is home to one of the most popular day treks in New Zealand. The hike will take you almost an entire day and will lead through Emerald Lakes, Blue Lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe - AKA Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings!

2. Wai-O-Tapu's Geothermal Wonderland

This volcanic wonderland is like nowhere else on the planet! At Wai-O-Tapu you will find luminous green, blue and orange crater lakes that will leave you pinching yourself to double check that you are in fact, still on Planet Earth.

Wai O Tapu

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3. The blue waters of Lake Pukaki

Located on the footsteps of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki is the largest of the country's Alpine Lakes and boasts a majestic Aqua blue colour all year round.

Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park - location of Lake-town in The Hobbit Trilogy - in autumn is a spectacular vision of golden trees contrasted against opaque turquoise waters and the snow-covered Southern Alps. Credit: Tourism New Zealand / Rob Suisted

5. Doubtful Sound

Everybody has Milford Sound on their bucket - and trust us - it's worthy of a top spot! But if you're wanting to explore a little off the beaten track, then the towering green mountains, waterfalls, walking trails and blue waters of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Doubtful Sound is a must! The best way to get there? Hire a Car or a Campervan and embark on a NZ Road Trip!

Doubtful Sound

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6. New Chum's Beach

New Chum's Beach is one of many of New Zealand's secret locations and can be found along the north island's Coromandel Peninsula. To reach this hidden spot of paradise, we suggest hiring a campervan and embarking on a Coromandel road trip!

7. The world's steepest street in Dunedin

Yes you read correctly! Dunedin is one of many things: the University mecca of New Zealand, home to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, the birthplace of Speights Beer and... the place where you can take a not so easy walk up the world's steepest street - Baldwin Street!

8. Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier can be found on the west coast of New Zealand's south island. These glaciers are HUGE and on a cloudy day it is impossible to see the top of these natural wonders from the base. There are many tours that offer guided glacier hikes along the glaciers - a definite must do!

9. Cathedral Cove

Also located along the Coromandel Peninsula (another reason to hire a van and go on a Coromandel road trip), Cathedral Cove can be accessed by foot, boat or by Kayak from the small town of Hahei (we recommend the latter). The white sands, turquoise waters and towering rocks of the cove will blow your mind. There is also a great snorkel trail laid out by the Department of Conversation where you may be able to spot a Stingray or two!

11. The mysterious Moeraki Boulders

These eerie boulders can be found on the shores of Koekohe Beach on the east coast of New Zealand's south island. The circular rocks can reach heights of up to 1 metre tall (they also make for an impressive Instagram backdrop)!

12. The hidden shores of Tunnel Beach

There are many stunning secret beaches in New Zealand and Tunnel Beach is one of them! Located just a short drive from Dunedin in New Zealand's south island, Tunnel Beach boasts white sands, blue waters, towering cliffs and the best bit? An actual secret tunnel that leads you to this untouched paradise!

13. The towering sand dunes of Cape Reinga

Nicknamed the 'Edge of the Earth,' Cape Reinga is located at the very top of New Zealand and is the place where two seas meet - the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Not only are the views from Cape Reinga Lighthouse amazing, but there are nearby sand dunes where you can actually hire a board and scoot down! Tours to Cape Reinga depart from the Bay of Islands.

14. The West Coast's black sandy beaches

New Zealand is well known for its black sand beaches. Many of these, such as the most famous, Piha Beach, can be found on the West Coast of Auckland. If Canyoning or taking a tour is not on your to do list, then hire a car or campervan.

15. Christchurch's post earthquake Restart Mall

In 2011 the bustling city of Christchurch in New Zealand's south island was hit by a devistating Earthquake. In true Kiwi spirit, the locals built a temporary mall made with shipping tins - this became known as Restart Mall or Container Mall.